Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia, MD. The Essential Guide.

Lake Kittamaqundi, also known as Lake Kitt, is a 27-acre man-made lake positioned within the coronary heart of Columbia, MD. This lovely lake has been a centerpiece of Columbia because the neighborhood was established in 1967. In this definitive information, we’ll present all the things it’s worthwhile to know to completely benefit from the historical past, recreation, eating, and pure magnificence that Lake Kittamaqundi affords.

Introduction

Lake Kittamaqundi was dug out as a part of the preliminary growth of Columbia by the Rouse Company. The title “Kittamaqundi” comes from the Piscataway language and means “meeting place.” The lake was designed to function a central gathering place for Columbia residents. Today, Lake Kittamaqundi stays a preferred spot for walks, fishing, and neighborhood occasions.

Historically, Lake Kittamaqundi hosted a number of iconic occasions in Columbia, together with the Columbia City Fair and the Wine within the Woods Festival. Although these main festivals have moved places, the lake stays an anchoring level for civic life in Columbia.

Lake Kittamaqundi Fishing

While Lake Kittamaqundi has a most depth of seven toes, it’s stocked yearly by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources with a number of fish species. Largemouth bass, carp, catfish, sunfish, bluegill, and trout can all be discovered within the lake. 

A Maryland freshwater fishing license is required for anybody 16 years or older to fish on Lake Kittamaqundi. Licenses may be obtained via the DNR web site or at sort out retailers round Columbia. There is a every day creel restrict of two trout per individual.

The dock space close to the lakefront plaza is a well-liked fishing spot. Anglers even have success fishing from small boats and kayaks in the principle a part of the lake. Early mornings and evenings are usually the perfect occasions to catch fish. Common baits and lures embrace worms, minnows, spinners, and crankbaits.

Lake Kittamaqundi Distance

Lake Kittamaqundi is conveniently positioned close to each Baltimore and Washington DC. It sits roughly 36 miles northeast of Washington DC and 10 miles southwest of Baltimore.

The lake is roughly 45 minutes from BWI Airport, 60 minutes from Reagan National Airport, and 90 minutes from Dulles International Airport. It can also be about 110 miles from Philadelphia.

Public transportation could make accessing Lake Kittamaqundi simple and inexpensive. The nearest Maryland Transit Administration station is the Columbia Town Center cease, only a brief stroll from the lakefront.

Lake Kittamaqundi Directions

To attain Lake Kittamaqundi by automotive, enter these addresses into your GPS:

10275 Wincopin Cir, Columbia, MD 21044

The lake is located beside the Columbia Lakefront neighborhood and throughout the road from The Mall in Columbia. Access is obtainable from Wincopin Circle or from the parking heaps alongside Little Patuxent Parkway.

Lake Kittamaqundi Events

While large-scale festivals have moved away from Lake Kittamaqundi, it stays an exquisite spot for neighborhood happenings. Some annual occasions hosted right here embrace:

• A Fourth of July celebration with dwell music and fireworks
• Fall and winter vacation festivals
• Concerts on the Merriweather Post Pavilion amphitheater

Informal occasions like yoga meetups, music performances, and film nights additionally happen on the lake amphitheater and dock frequently all through hotter months.

Lake Kittamaqundi Restaurants

Many glorious eating choices are inside strolling distance of Lake Kittamaqundi, good for meals earlier than or after you benefit from the lake. Some high eating places embrace:

• Lak – upscale new American delicacies positioned proper on the lake
• Cured – artisanal charcuterie, cheeses, and sandwiches
• The Melting Pot – fondue restaurant with distinctive eating expertise
• Bon Fresco – informal cafe with wholesome Mediterranean fare
• Kismet Cafe & Culture – world fusion delicacies and music venue
• Manor Hill Brewing – in style brewpub with craft beers and pub grub

With choices like sushi, ramen, Cuban, Indian, and extra, there’s various delicacies to go well with any style across the lake.

Lake Kittamaqundi Trail

A scenic 1.4 mile strolling path encircles Lake Kittamaqundi. This simple, paved path affords lovely views of the lake and an opportunity to identify native wildlife. Interpretive indicators describe the historical past, ecology, and geology of the lake space.

The loop path connects to the downtown Columbia lakefront neighborhood on the south aspect. Benches are offered alongside the trail, making it a perfect stroll for individuals of all ages and health ranges. You may lengthen your hike for a 2.9 mile strolling path that connects Lake Kittamaqundi to Wilde Lake. Dogs are welcome too, however have to be on a leash. 

Lake Kittamaqundi Things to Do

There are infinite choices for enjoyable at Lake Kittamaqundi, together with:

• Fishing from the dock
• Paddling or rowing on the water
• Circling the lake on the strolling path
• Birdwatching for city waterfowl
• Playing within the interactive fountain as a child
• Attending a competition or neighborhood occasion
• Grabbing dinner and a drink at a lakeside restaurant
• Watching the sundown over the lake
• Staying at The Merriweather Lakehouse resort positioned proper on the lake

The lovely surroundings and central location of Lake Kittamaqundi make it a go-to spot year-round.

Lake Kittamaqundi Where to Stay

Columbia delivers quite a lot of lodging choices close to Lake Kittamaqundi, resembling:

• The Merriweather Lakehouse – a boutique resort positioned proper on Lake Kittamaqundi that provides birding, eating, and live performance packages
• Sheraton Columbia Hotel – upscale resort adjoining to the lake
• Residence Inn Columbia – all-suite prolonged keep resort
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia – spacious suite lodging
• Vacation leases via Airbnb and VRBO – flats and homes for hire close by

Hotels and trip leases across the Columbia Mall or Little Patuxent Parkway provide comfort to Lake Kittamaqundi inside a 5-15 minute stroll or very brief drive.

Lake Kittamaqundi Birding

As an city oasis, Lake Kittamaqundi attracts plentiful fowl life. Some species to observe for across the lakeshore embrace:

• Mallards, geese, and swans
• Great blue herons
• Ospreys
• Bald eagles
• Belted kingfishers
• Cormorants

The greatest vantage factors for birdwatching are from the dock space or alongside the path on the west shoreline. Early mornings are usually essentially the most lively occasions to watch birds fishing and feeding. The Merriweather Lakehouse affords particular birding packages for avid birdwatchers.

Conclusion

For over 50 years, Lake Kittamaqundi has served as a wonderful centerpiece of Columbia, MD. With a lot historical past, recreation, eating, and neighborhood significance, it’s simple to see why locals lovingly name it “Lake Kitt.” This information offers an outline of the perfect Lake Kittamaqundi has to supply guests and residents. Plan a day having fun with the pure magnificence and plentiful actions on the lake quickly!